kids encyclopedia robot

Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve
IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
Location Indian Ocean, Australia
Nearest town Port Macdonnell, South Australia
Area 6,123 km2 (2,364 sq mi)
Established August 31, 2007 (2007-08-31)
Governing body Parks Australia (Commonwealth of Australia)

Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a 6,123 km2 marine protected area within Australian waters located in the Southern Ocean near the South Australia-Victoria border. The reserve was established in 2007 and is part of the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserve Network.

The reserve spans deepwater ecosystems (below 3,000 m (9,800 ft)) and encloses geological features including plateaus, knolls, canyons and the abyssal plain. It is an important migration area for humpback, blue, fin and possibly sei whales.

Protection

The entirety of the Nelson marine reserve area is IUCN protected area category VI and is zoned as 'Special Purpose'.

Zone IUCN Activities permitted Area
(km2)
Recreational fishing Commercial fishing Mining
Special Purpose VI Yes No with approval 6,123
kids search engine
Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.